CHAMPAIGN – Thanks to efforts from State Senator Paul Faraci, over $4.9 million in state funding is heading to Champaign, Savoy and Rantoul to build safer sidewalks, bike lanes and shared-use paths as part of Illinois’ ongoing push to modernize transportation and improve local infrastructure.

“This is about building smarter, safer communities where people can move freely and feel good doing it,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “From students walking to school to families out for a bike ride, these projects are investments in the way residents live day-to-day.”  

Faraci announced three projects in Champaign County are among 66 statewide improvements receiving support totaling $139.2 million through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program – a flagship initiative of the state’s Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan aimed at modernizing local transportation systems and making communities more accessible and connected.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to modernize state government and direct resources where they are needed most, State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure aimed at eliminating outdated government mandates and expanding access to programs supporting digital connectivity and energy assistance for low-income families.  

“People expect government to evolve and meet the moment, and this bill does that,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We’re cutting what no longer works so we can reinvest in what communities truly need: broadband access, energy support and local power.”

House Bill 3187 aims to cut outdated responsibilities and redirect resources to programs that serve everyday Illinoisans. Under the measure, obsolete duties – like requiring the state to manage freight rate data – would be eliminated from government handling, and respective industry experts would take the lead.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure families of students with disabilities have access to life-changing financial tools, State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure that would require schools to proactively share information about Illinois’ ABLE savings program with parents of students who have 504 plans. 

“Families navigating disabilities shouldn’t be left to stumble upon resources by chance,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This bill makes certain these families get the information they need early and directly, with no searching required.”

Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts make it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest their money for expenses related to living with a disability, offering greater financial independence while preserving vital public health benefits – like SSI or Medicaid. The Illinois ABLE program promotes independence, reduces reliance on public assistance and encourages greater economic participation by individuals with disabilities.

SPRINGFIELD – An overhaul of outdated state rules could be underway, thanks to a measure from State Senator Paul Faraci that aims to modernize local government, cut bureaucratic waste and expand access to critical programs like broadband grants and low-income energy assistance.

“Illinois residents deserve a government that works smarter and serves better,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This measure would eliminate what’s no longer working and reinvest in what our communities need right now: digital access, energy assistance and local control.”

House Bill 3187 aims to cut outdated responsibilities and redirect resources to programs that serve everyday Illinoisans. Under the measure, obsolete duties – like requiring the state to manage freight rate data – would be eliminated from government handling, and respective industry experts would take the lead.